Tuscany

The only DOC for a wide range of red, rosé and white wines on this Mediterranean island located betweeen Corsica and the mainland of Italy. It has an area of 223 km², the main town is Portoferraio, the area is considered to be part of the wine-growing region of Tuscany (Livorno province) in Italy. It was the first location to which emperor Napoleon (1769-1821) was exiled, from 1814 to 1815. Wine was of great economic importance here in ancient times, and the elder Pliny (24-79 AD) described the island as „rich in wines“. Until the beginning of the 20th century, around a quarter of the arable area was planted with vines, today the vineyard area totals only around 200 hectares. Red Aleatico (minimum of 85%) is made in amabile and dolce styles, white Ansonica iis made in secco, amabile and dolce styles, and the white Moscato Bianco (100% from dried grapes) is made in a dolce (sweet) style. Dried Ansonica grapes are also used to make a white Passito in amabile and dolce versions. Rosso (also made as a Riserva) and Rosato are made from Sangiovese (60-100%), as well as from other permitted varieties (up to 40%, of which a maximum of 10% white varieties). The Bianco is a blend made from Procanico = Trebbiano Toscano (50-100%), Ansonica and/or Vermentino (up to 50%), as well as from other permitted white varieties (up to 20%), and produced in secco, amabile and dolce styles. The same grape varieties are used to make a dry Spumante. Like the Bianco, the white Vin Santo is a blend, and made in secco and amabile versions. Rosé Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice is made from the same varieties as the Rosso, and is made in a dolce version. Both have an alcohol level of 16% vol, and may be called Riserva if matured for four years.